THE family of the Suffolk snowboarder killed in a freak accident in the French Alps have launched an international charity in her memory.

Emily ‘Mimi’ Watts, 26, from Lavenham died after she became trapped in a snow drift for around 45 minutes near the ski resort of Chamonix.

A memorial service for the former student of Bury’s St Benedict’s Catholic School, is due to be held in Lavenham church tomorrow afternoon.

Ms Watts’ parents Nicky McAllister and Dominic Watts, and her 27-year-old brother Rory stayed by her bedside at a French hospital for five days before doctors made the decision to switch off her life support machine.

And now the family are determined her memory will live on in the form of a charity, set up to help young people establish creative businesses.

Ms Watts, who studied at Northbrook College in Sussex, was a talented designer who created original and inspiring surf clothing. According to her family, she dreamed of running her own business and being able to support herself doing what she loved.

The Good Story charity has already amassed more than �5,000 in her name, and the family hope tens of thousands will be donated to help young people like Ms Watts gain a start in their careers. The charity has taken on 15 professional mentor volunteers ranging from management consultants and accountants to tattoo artists and pub managers.

A board of trustees including family members and friends has been set up, and regional creative committees have been established in Suffolk, London, Bristol, Brighton, Reading, Norwich and Chamonix in France.

Ms Watts’ brother Rory said: “An organisation like a charity can outlive anyone and supporting Mimi’s memory by creating something long-lasting felt like the right thing to do. We are delighted that donations are coming in at an astonishing rate.”

Full details of the charity and how to apply for help are available at www.goodstory.org.uk.

Following a private cremation, the memorial service for Ms Watts will be held at 2.30pm. Her parents have asked anyone who knew their daughter to wear “colourful clothing”.